The idea of owning your own mortgage-free home is a compelling one, but when it comes down to it, most of us don?t actually want to live in a space the size of a shed. The tiny home movement hasn?t lost much steam over the last few years, and it?s not hard to see why the idea is so attractive, but moving into one can be a little difficult to actually carry out. When full-sized homes are out of reach and micro-homes just aren?t practical, what?s to be found in between" An intriguing new project by Escape Homes offers one possibility.

The Escape One XL is a two-story micro-home that measures just under 400 square feet, which is at least twice as large as the average tiny house on wheels. Mobile, street-legal, and capable of sleeping up to eight people, the Escape One XL features a boxy RV-inspired silhouette and a wood-clad interior recalling the aesthetics of modern minimalist cabins. Its proportions, and the fact that it?s built on a trailer, enable it to be legally classified as a vehicle instead of a permanent structure. That means there?s no need for foundations, building permits, or property taxes.
On the bottom floor, you?ll find a surprisingly spacious kitchen area with a full-sized oven range and refrigerator, as well as counters, a microwave, and a sink, but you can customize the space according to your needs. This area also enjoys a double-height ceiling, while lofts on either end of the home host sleeping platforms with their own five-foot ceilings. One is ...